Cleaning your iron: it only takes 30 seconds. Find out how

While there are various chemical cleaners on the market designed specifically for cleaning irons, they are often costly and may not always deliver the desired results. Instead, a simple homemade solution can be just as effective and much more budget-friendly.

The 30-Second Cleaning Trick
You don’t need to spend hours scrubbing your iron or investing in pricey products. With just a dishwasher tablet, some vinegar, and a few basic tools you likely already have at home, you can have your iron sparkling clean in no time. Here’s how to do it.

What You’ll Need:

1 dishwasher tablet
Vinegar (as needed)
Cotton swabs (ear sticks)
A couple of sheets of absorbent paper (paper towels)
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
1. Prepare the Dishwasher Tablet
Start by removing any plastic or nylon wrapping from the dishwasher tablet. The tablet’s ingredients are designed to break down tough grease and limescale, making it perfect for cleaning the soleplate of your iron.

2. Heat the Iron
Turn on your iron to its highest temperature setting, but be sure to turn off the steam function. The heat will help the dishwasher tablet dissolve any limescale or residue more effectively. Be careful not to burn yourself during this process.

3. Rub the Dishwasher Tablet on the Soleplate
Using the unwrapped dishwasher tablet, carefully rub it directly onto the soleplate of the heated iron, focusing on areas with visible limescale and dirt. The tablet will begin to melt and dissolve the grime immediately, breaking it down within seconds. As you rub the tablet on the surface, you’ll notice the dirt and limescale start to disappear.

4. Wipe with Absorbent Paper
After about 30 seconds of scrubbing with the dishwasher tablet, take a sheet of absorbent paper or a paper towel and wipe the soleplate to remove any remaining residue from the tablet. This will leave your iron looking shiny and clean, free of limescale or dirt.

5. Clean the Steam Holes